Load Bank Remotes: Load Testing Simplified

Load bank remote technology is revolutionizing the load testing experience, making it more simple to shorten testing cycles and lower costs. Load bank controllers are now more capable than ever, operating with greater accuracy and higher performance during load emulation. Test operators who use remotes see improved access to real-time data and more precision in their engagement with large networks of load banks during the testing process. Load bank remotes also provide customization to run pre-loaded or custom-built real-world simulations. Each of the ways in which load bank remotes simplify and improve the commissioning process reinforce confidence in the accuracy of testing and in the grid-worthiness of complex electrical systems.

NextGen Technology. The newest generation of load bank remotes are built to run on the latest tablet technology and are capable of communicating simultaneously with up to 50 networked load banks. Communication between load banks on such a large scale used to require coordination between dozens of technicians handling an array of buttons and toggle switches. Testing of this nature has proven to be highly inefficient, labor-intensive, and complex process. Indeed, many of the advances in load bank technology in the past thirty years have improved on the mechanics of load banks. But remote technology marks a major step forward in the digitization of load bank testing and is ensuring that future testing yields far more cost-effective outcomes.

Each advance in remote load bank testing bodes well for an industry that is currently expanding at a rate above three percent, annually. Researchers predict that this level of growth will continue through 2021, with further innovations on the horizon.

More Powerful. Today’s advanced remote load bank technology puts a substantial amount of power into the hands of test operators. No longer is it necessary for them to rely on the help of dozens of technicians to execute a single test. Using the latest tablet-driven remote technology, individual users can control and monitor up to 50 load banks at a time. This includes activation of cooling fans, precision control of all load circuitry, as well as on-the-go adjustments for load capacity. These features contribute to greater efficiency and cost savings by shedding valuable minutes off each test and requiring fewer technicians.

Naming capabilities also allow for greater customization, letting test operators designate individual or groups of load banks for staged testing. This method of identification helps to cut costs by improving communication and allowing technicians to isolate various sections of the circuit and identify the location of outages, should a portion of the circuitry fail at any time during testing.

Improvements in latency standards also contribute to greater accuracy for data center testing. The Information Technology Industry Council (ITIC) recommends latency below 16.6 milliseconds per cycle of AC wave. Industry averages, however, lag behind that standard at approximately 120 milliseconds per cycle. This is where the newest remote load bank technology makes up significant ground. A handful of the latest resistive load banks are now able to achieve a latency response as low as 20 milliseconds. By edging closer to the 16.6ms goal, load tests are more accurately emulating real-world standards than with the use of prior testing formats.

More Simplified. The kinds of hardware and software enhancements for remote devices mentioned above aid in simplifying the load testing process. Remote technology allows load bank testing to take place over a shorter period of time and help contractors save on labor costs.

As is the case in many high-tech industries, load bank testing is rapidly changing to meet customer demand. Touchscreen load bank remotes represent the future of load testing and show how the load bank industry is entering the digital age full force. Load bank remotes represent the latest and most significant effort thus far to bring load banking out of its analog past and make it more efficient. We can expect further enhancements in the years to come.

ComRent and our team of remote load bank experts are prepared to address any inquiry and ensure the success of your testing or power monitoring project.

Whether you are looking to load test a data center or an array of utility-scale power sources, we will carefully review your requirements and propose the right load bank solution for your application. You can also visit our website for more information on remote load banks.